MEIJI PERIOD, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A JAPANESE PATINATED-BRONZE KORO (INCENSE BURNER)
MEIJI PERIOD, LATE 19TH CENTURY
The central urn surmounted by a dragon slayer with gilt eyes and perched on a rocky outcrop above a menacing dragon, the faceted hexagonal body cast to each side with cartouches depicting scenes of flora, fauna, and landscapes, flanked by two winged-dragon handles, raised on three legs encircling a mythical lion finial on a circular base above demon-headed feet
62 ½ in. (159 cm.) high; 18 ¼ in. (46.5 cm.) diameter

Special notice

Specified lots are being stored at Crozier Park Royal (details below) or will be removed from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. If the lot has been transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm Cancellation under the EU Consumer Rights Directive may apply to this lot. Please see here for further information.

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Lot Essay

With the restoration of the Meiji Emperor and the opening of trade with the West, Japan began to participate in the Occident's International Exhibitions and promote its nation’s products. Among the most popular items were Japanese bronze works, including koros (incense burners) such as the example seen here. Beautifully modelled and intricately cast koros were collected by such high profile taste makers as Siegfried Bing, who in 1881 went on to sell a valuable koro by the known Japanese artist Kako to the Victoria & Albert Museum, London for the staggering price at the time of £1,586. 7s. 2d., a sum which required special dispensation from the Treasury (inv. 188:1 to 9-1883).

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